POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 227, 18 June 1908, Page 7

POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

■ » STATEMENT BY HON. G. FOWLDS. IBT TELEGSAPII.—PRESS ASSOCIATION) Auckland, June 17. The Hon. Geo. Fowlds, interviewed to-day, denied that his speeches warranted tho inference, as continually asserted by Mr. Massey, that it was_ his (tho Minister's) opinion that no choico remained for tho country but Socialism or single tax. "Tho country," ho continued, "gavo a pretty clear indication of its opinion of Masseyism at Tuapoka the other day. There Mr. Massey had a candidato backed by a very complete organisation. Tho Government choso a candidate, but the seat was won by a gontlo--111 an more Radical than the Government candidato, at tho same time declaring himself a Government supporter. Thus, in a puroly country electorate, Mr. Massey's candidate was only able to command two out of every seven votes polled. Another ominous portent for Mr. Massey is to be found in tho opidemio which seems to have sot in amongst tho few followors ho has in the present Parliament. Evory othor day lately wo have seen an announcement in the press'that Mr. So-and-So, a membor of the Opposition, had decidod not to offer himself for ro-olection. _ If this continues till tho end of the session there will be 110 ono loft but Sir. Massey and ono Or two of his lieutenants, and possibly somo of them may havo to rotiro involuntarily when tho election comes off."